What ovulation exactly means And how does one know that she is ovulating?

Ovulation refers to the process by which a mature egg is released from one of the ovaries. It typically occurs around day 14 of a regular 28-day menstrual cycle, but it can vary from person to person and cycle to cycle.

Several signs and symptoms can indicate that a person is ovulating:

1. Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Shift:

- BBT is the lowest body temperature reached during sleep.

- Around ovulation, there is a slight rise in BBT due to increased progesterone production.

- Tracking BBT can help identify the ovulation window.

2. Cervical Mucus Changes:

- Cervical mucus becomes more slippery, clear, and stretchy (similar to raw egg white) around ovulation.

- This change in mucus is due to increased estrogen levels, making it easier for sperm to travel through the cervix.

3. Ovulation Pain (Mittelschmerz):

- Some women experience mild to moderate pain or discomfort in one side of the lower abdomen around ovulation.

- This pain is often referred to as Mittelschmerz and can last for a few hours or days.

4. Changes in Cervix Position and Firmness:

- The cervix may open slightly and become softer around ovulation.

- This change is facilitated by increased estrogen and can be felt during self-examination.

5. Increased Sexual Desire:

- Many women experience an increase in sexual desire or libido around ovulation.

- This is due to hormonal fluctuations that are associated with the fertile window.

6. Breast Tenderness:

- Some women experience breast tenderness or soreness around ovulation due to hormonal influences.

7. Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs):

- OPKs detect the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) that precedes ovulation.

- When the LH surge is detected, ovulation suele occur within 12-36 hours.

It's worth noting that not all women experience all these signs and symptoms, and the intensity of these indicators can vary from person to person. If you are trying to conceive, tracking these signs and using methods such as BBT charting and OPKs can help you identify your most fertile days.